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Periodic multi-stable structures: a manufacturing investigation.
This study will investigate the multi stability potentials of a period double corrugated structure starting with the investigation on a single cell for then extending the results to a periodic grid. The goal is to improve the manufacturing technique of those multi-stable structures.
**Motivation**
Multi-stable laminates for deployable structures are increasingly receiving attention. One of the most important characteristics is that multi-stable laminates can generate large changes of shapes without the need for a continuous power supply. This characteristic could be relevant in a wide range of Engineering applications such as solar panels, space antennas or sandwich cores.
In this horizon, a new approach that combines a pre-stressed textile with a fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) shell structure is currently investigated at CMASLab.
This approach allows manufacturing structures that show out of plane curvatures with a 2D bonding process. In particular, a square frame structure has been proved to show interesting saddle-like shape. Another result shows that with the use of modularity, a wavy grid surface can be manufactured. Those structures are promising to show multi-stability, but the manufacturing technique needs to be improved. The student will investigate this topic.
**Thesis Objectives**
The manufacturing now consists of 3 phases: stretching, bonding and releasing. The multi-stability of the structures has been observed to be strongly dependent on the behavior of the adhesive layer used during the bond-ing phase. The current solution does not allow high precision in the bonding phase and this negatively effects the propriety of the structures. The student is asked to find a more reliable process.
Starting with the square frame, the idea is to find and experimentally test different manufacturing processes that are suitable for the presented structures. Then the effect of different bonding techniques on the multi-stability propriety will be investigated.
Once a reliable manufacturing technique is found, it will be used for manufacturing the more complex grid structure. Also for this geometry, the multi-stability is going to be investigated.
**Motivation** Multi-stable laminates for deployable structures are increasingly receiving attention. One of the most important characteristics is that multi-stable laminates can generate large changes of shapes without the need for a continuous power supply. This characteristic could be relevant in a wide range of Engineering applications such as solar panels, space antennas or sandwich cores. In this horizon, a new approach that combines a pre-stressed textile with a fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) shell structure is currently investigated at CMASLab. This approach allows manufacturing structures that show out of plane curvatures with a 2D bonding process. In particular, a square frame structure has been proved to show interesting saddle-like shape. Another result shows that with the use of modularity, a wavy grid surface can be manufactured. Those structures are promising to show multi-stability, but the manufacturing technique needs to be improved. The student will investigate this topic. **Thesis Objectives** The manufacturing now consists of 3 phases: stretching, bonding and releasing. The multi-stability of the structures has been observed to be strongly dependent on the behavior of the adhesive layer used during the bond-ing phase. The current solution does not allow high precision in the bonding phase and this negatively effects the propriety of the structures. The student is asked to find a more reliable process. Starting with the square frame, the idea is to find and experimentally test different manufacturing processes that are suitable for the presented structures. Then the effect of different bonding techniques on the multi-stability propriety will be investigated. Once a reliable manufacturing technique is found, it will be used for manufacturing the more complex grid structure. Also for this geometry, the multi-stability is going to be investigated.
Goal of the study
The goal of the study is to improve the manufacturing technique of multi-stable structure made with the interaction of a membrane and thin shell. In particular, the student is expected to prove the feasibility with prototypes.
The work will be subdivided in the following tasks:
• literature research;
• investigation of possible manufacturing techniques;
• prototype manufacturing for proving the feasibility of the different techniques and the multi-stability propriety;
• selection of one or two techniques;
• manufacturing with the previously selected process-es of the grid structure and multi-stability proof.
**Student Profile**
• Interest in fiber reinforced composites
• Interest in manufacturing techniques
• Experience and interest in experimental work
• Basic knowledge of fibre reinforced polymer composite and adhesive mechanics
Goal of the study The goal of the study is to improve the manufacturing technique of multi-stable structure made with the interaction of a membrane and thin shell. In particular, the student is expected to prove the feasibility with prototypes. The work will be subdivided in the following tasks: • literature research; • investigation of possible manufacturing techniques; • prototype manufacturing for proving the feasibility of the different techniques and the multi-stability propriety; • selection of one or two techniques; • manufacturing with the previously selected process-es of the grid structure and multi-stability proof. **Student Profile** • Interest in fiber reinforced composites • Interest in manufacturing techniques • Experience and interest in experimental work • Basic knowledge of fibre reinforced polymer composite and adhesive mechanics